1998 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Lada Niva is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lada Niva weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lada Niva | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
